Unofficially, I have to say that my coaching career started years ago when I began reading all the personal growth, self-development and spiritual books I could get my hands onto. I also have listened to hundreds of hours of tapes and attended many seminars which helped me get to where I am today as a life coach.

Some of my favorite authors over the years have been Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, Jane Roberts, Deepak Chopra, Doreen Virtue, Shakti Gawain, Sanaya Roman and Duane Packer, Abraham-Hicks, Gary Zukav, John Gray, James Redfield, Neil Donald Walsh, Carolyn Myss, Norm Shealy, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Phil, Cheryl Richardson and so many more.

Because of my interest in self development, I love to do Book Coaching with clients. If you have a special personal growth book that you find inspiring but just haven't been able to apply all the ideas, tips or tools suggested in the book to create the changes you want to see, give me a call or send me an e-mail to discuss how we can personalize the information to you and your life. 419-355-1877 kathy@8keystosuccess.com

Officially, I completed the Coaching From Spirit Program (www.coachingfromspirit.com) and I am a Certified Spiritual Life Coach.

I was a founding member of CoachVille (www.coachville.com) which boasts the largest coaching membership and is now free to join.

I am a Certified Emotional Freedom & Healing Practitioner and an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT-ADV) Practitioner. I also have expertise in other meridian based techniques, TAT and Choices EFT. (Read more about Energy Balancing). I am also a Reiki II practitioner.

I maintain active memberships in Women's Entrepreneurial Network and Toastmasters where I am or have been a board member, officer and served on committees.

My continuous participation in many coaching forums, classes and workshops, allows me to stay on the cutting edge of this ever expanding profession.

Personally, I receive enormous rewards as a Hospice Volunteer. I enjoy walking and jogging, golf, travel and reading. I love spending time with my family and our dog BJ reminds me daily to get up and get outside.

                                                Kathy Atkinson

"I too, as many readers have shared with you LOVE your newsletter!!! Many e-mail I tend to delete or "wait to read until later", not true with your newsletter. Thank you for your time and effort in putting it together"                              T.S.

"What I Love About Coaching"

Recently I enter an essay contest sponsored by Terri Levine founder of Comprehensive Coaching U (www.coachinginstruction.com) titled "What I Love About Coaching". I won mention on her web site and in her newsletter. Read my winning entry below.

What I Love About Coaching!

by Kathy Atkinson, Life Coach

Creative Life Coaching

www.8keystosuccess.com

I am truly passionate about the coaching profession and the value it brings to clients. There is nothing better than connecting one-on-one with people and partnering with them on their self discovery journey. I love having the opportunity to help clients view their situations from a different perspective and seeing them reach those "Aha" moments that change their life.

It is exciting to work with people who are forward moving and leading edge thinkers who want more for themselves and their lives in general and are willing to take chances and move out of the comfort zones. I have compiled "Eight Keys to Success" which gives clients the information and the structure to change their lives quickly and easily. It is thrilling to be the catalyst for the changes that clients want to make and see them succeeding at levels they never thought were possible.

In this world that focuses so much on what is going wrong, it is so rewarding to assist people in focusing on what is working in their lives and provide them with the tools that will change what is not working. I love helping people recognize their talents and abilities and help them capitalize on what they already have going for themselves.

The coaching profession provides me with an outlet for my passion and interest in personal growth and self development. I am thankful everyday for the opportunities that connect me with those who are like-minded seekers.